Sauti Sol's Bien Elevating Kenya's Music Production Via New Outfit RIKE

[Bien/The Star]

In a resounding chorus of optimism, Kenya's music industry took a remarkable step forward on October 9, as record producers and industry luminaries gathered in Nairobi to celebrate the official launch of the Recording Industry of Kenya (RIKE). Established as a non-profit organization in 2022, RIKE is poised to become the harmonious chord uniting and representing the recorded music sector in Kenya.

RIKE, much like a finely tuned symphony, is a trade association created to foster collective interests, growth, and harmony within the country's music production landscape. With backing from industry giants like Sony Music Entertainment Africa, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group, RIKE is determined to orchestrate a new era for Kenya's music industry.

At the heart of RIKE's mission lies the commitment to promoting and safeguarding the collective interests of sound recording producers across the nation. In an industry rife with challenges, this initiative aims to create a conducive policy and legislative environment that supports the growth of the recorded music sector and ensures protection across diverse revenue streams, including the ever-expanding digital space.

One of the key challenges that RIKE intends to address is the rampant piracy and illegal exploitation of recorded music in the digital realm. By collaborating with stakeholders and policymakers, RIKE aspires to protect the recorded music ecosystem from such threats, providing a sustainable platform for artists and industry stakeholders to thrive.

RIKE's ambitions extend far beyond the borders of Kenya, as it seeks to leverage international partnerships. Collaborating with the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), RIKE aims to align with global best practices. One notable facet of this collaboration involves the administration of the International Standard Recording Codes (ISRCs) in Kenya. This adoption promises to streamline the management of sound recordings and music video rights across platforms, ensuring accurate monitoring and equitable distribution of royalties in the performance rights sector.

Education is another cornerstone of RIKE's vision. The organization is dedicated to developing educational programs for its members, with a strong emphasis on the significance of ISRC as a key identifier in the music industry. The goal is to empower artists and stakeholders with the knowledge required to make informed decisions and navigate the intricacies of the industry more effectively.

The charismatic Chairman and Executive Producer of Decimal Records, Eric Musyoka, radiated hope for the future of the Kenyan recording industry as he addressed the crowd. 

"Having witnessed the industry evolve over the last two decades, we know the importance of setting a foundation for critical systems and programs for investors in the recorded music industry,"" he said. ""The board and I will use our experience and welcome like-minded individuals to join us on this remarkable journey."

The distinguished board members of RIKE, including Eric Musyoka, Bien-Aime Alusa of Sauti Sol and Sol Generation Records, Suzanne Gachukia-Opembe of SubSahara Limited, Lavern Thomas of Warner Music Group, John Katana Harrison of Them Mushrooms and Kalakata Music, Manusha Sarawan of Universal Music Group for Southern and East Africa, Japheth Kasanga of Kassanga Music Centre, and Sean Watson of Sony Music Entertainment Africa, are set to play a pivotal role in steering the organization toward the crescendo of success.

As RIKE's melody reverberates across the Kenyan music landscape, it signals the dawn of a new era, one filled with promise, protection, and prosperity for the country's vibrant music industry. 

With Bien of Sauti Sol and esteemed industry leaders at the helm, Kenya's music production is primed for a resounding rise, ready to amplify its cultural and creative voice on the global stage.